Sixty miles southeast of Burns, Oregon, Steens Mountain rises nearly a mile above the valley floor of the Alvord Desert. The mountain offers a diversity of natural systems unique to the northern Great Basin region. Most of the mountain is managed by BLM-Oregon as part of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area. For centuries people have visited this oasis in the high desert. Little is known about the first inhabitants of Steens Mountain. In 2003 an archaeological excavation of the Mortar Riddle Site was begun that hopes to uncover some of this past. 

	VIRTUAL TOUR In order to protect fragile resources the Mortar Riddle Site is not open to the public.  Check out our online presentation to see what has been discovered so far.
Brothers Ben, Walter, and Fred Riddle settled on the site in the early 1900s.
	EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BLM-Oregon and the Oregon Archaeological Society offer a wide variety of Archaeology and Heritage Education materials for both students and teachers including posters, publication, brochures, and curriculum. Find out more at these websites: http://www.oregonarchaeological.org/education.htm http://www.or.blm.gov/salem/html/archaeology/index.htm http://www.or.blm.gov/EE/ExploringMain/explorin.htm http://www.or.blm.gov/salem/html/archaeology/study_posters.htm
The site was named for the high number of "hopper mortars" (bowl-shaped stones) found at the site.
	VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers from the Oregon Archaeological Society contributed more than 780 hours of labor at the Mortar Riddle Site in 2004. They also share their insight, sense of humor, unbeatable work ethic, and enthusiasm.  If you are interested in learning about the history and prehistory of Oregon check out their webpage.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer on your public lands check out the links below: BLM-Burns Field Office http://www.or.blm.gov/Burns/Recreation/volunteer_information.htm Oregon Archaeological Society http://www.oregonarchaeological.org/index.htm BLM- Oregon State Office http://www.or.blm.gov/volunteers.htm
BLM receives considerable help from Oregon Archaeological Society volunteers.

Map by Scott Thomas, BLM Burns, OR, Field Office

TOURIST FACILITIES, AMENITIES, AND ATTRACTIONS The Riddle Brothers Ranch is located on the Steens Mountain National Back Country Byway. BLM fee campgrounds with drinking water and vault toilets are located along the byway. A private campground, gas, phone, and store are available at Frenchglen. Lodging and dining opportunities are also available in Burns (60 miles). Harney County Chamber of Commerce http://www.harneycounty.com/ BLM-Burns Field Office http://www.or.blm.gov/Burns/ BLM Steens Mountain Website http://www.or.blm.gov/steens/ Malheur National Wildlife Refuge http://www.fws.gov/pacific/malheur/ Malheur National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/ Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge http://www.fws.gov/pacific/sheldonhartmtn/Hart/index.html